During Advent the families of St John’s wanted to do something where their children could think about giving to those in need. The practice of alms giving during Advent is long established as part of preparing for the coming of the baby Jesus.

Don't feel you need to be a child to take part - everybody is welcome to pack a backpack - do it with friends if you like.

Why?

Many children receiving Mary’s Meals don’t have basic learning tools such as pencils and notepads. You can support them to get the most out of their lessons by donating a backpack full of the things they need. For many, a Mary’s Meals backpack will be the only gift they’ll have ever had. Since The Backpack Project began in 2005, more than 450,000 filled backpacks have sent from supporters across the UK and Ireland to children receiving Mary’s Meals.